The best persons in state conducting Sabarimala gold heist probe: Kerala HC

Kochi: High court on Friday, while considering petitions related to the alleged gold heist at Sabarimala temple, categorically stated that it is not concerned about public perception, but only wants the investigation to proceed properly and ensure that whoever is responsible is held accountable.The court was considering petitions seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged misappropriation of cladded gold from the copper coverings of the dwarapalaka idols and other valuables at Sabarimala temple. The petitions were filed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others.Regarding the petitioners' concern over the bail granted to the accused due to delays in filing the final report, HC orally observed that "the best persons in the state" are conducting the investigation and that they should be given some time to complete it. The investigation team is awaiting analysis reports from two scientific laboratories in India — the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre — to ascertain whether the copper plates have been replaced. The court noted that only these two laboratories have the facilities to conduct ultra-trace security analysis tests required for the examination. Hence, a very meticulous investigation is being carried out, it said. HC further observed that the case concerning the alleged misappropriation of gold from the copper plates of the Sabarimala sreekovil cannot be treated like a routine abkari case, where a final report is filed first and the analysis report follows later. It also noted that the court itself is monitoring the investigation.The petitioners had raised concerns about certain observations made by the trial court and the granting of bail to the accused persons. However, HC remarked that this is a criminal investigation and the judiciary cannot interfere with the investigative process. It added that the court cannot step into the shoes of the investigating officer and direct how the investigation should be conducted and asked that the investigators be allowed to file their report.The govt pleader sought additional time to place his submissions. HC accordingly adjourned the petitions for consideration after two weeks.